Embarking on a road trip with a recreational vehicle (RV) is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors. However, something to consider when choosing an RV is gas mileage. Knowing the fuel efficiency of your motorhome lets you plan out your route and your stops to make sure you’re actually benefiting from the cost savings of using your RV to travel.
Key Takeaways
- Class A motorhomes are least fuel efficient (6-13 MPG).
- Class B RVs get the best gas mileage (20-26 MPG).
- Class C falls in between with (15-20 MPG).
- Regular maintenance, smart route planning, tire pressure management, and weight monitoring improve RV’s fuel efficiency.
Understanding RV Gas Mileage: Class A, B, and C
Motorhomes are generally classified into three categories: Class A, B, and C. Each class has its own unique characteristics, and gas mileage is one key aspect that differentiates them.
Class A motorhomes are the most luxurious RVs that get the worst gas mileage. While Class B motorhomes boast the best fuel efficiency. Class C motorhomes fall somewhere in between, offering average gas mileage.
Something else to realize is that any class of RV can be a diesel RV. Diesel motorhomes get superior gas mileage and more power for your adventure.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are the large RVs that look like commercial buses. Some are so long you have to get a CDL license in some states. As you would expect, the bigger the bus the bigger the gas bill. Their large flat faces promote a lot of wind resistance, and they’re loaded with kitchen appliances and amenities that weigh a lot.
Averaging between 7-13 miles per gallon, Class A motorhomes have the worst gas mileage among the three classes. But if you’re able to afford one of these, then gas mileage probably isn’t your top concern.
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans or van conversions, are the smallest and most fuel-efficient motorhomes. They’re sleek, lightweight, and aerodynamic features contribute to better gas mileage, which averages between 18-25 miles per gallon.
Because of the aerodynamic, lightweight designs, class B RVs shed the wind much better than class A’s. And with only the basic amenities the load is also lighter making it more fuel efficient.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are the average joe between Class A and B motorhomes in terms of size and motorhome gas mileage. With an average gas mileage ranging from 14-18 miles per gallon, they fall right in between Class A and B motorhomes.
Class C RVs carry more amenities than their class B brothers, but less than their classy A sisters. With smart route planning and careful packing, a class c motorhome gets good gas mileage that can your family fuel on your next trip.
How to Calculate Your RV’s Gas Mileage
Monitoring your RV’s gas mileage can help you diagnose little problems before they become big problems. Weather changes like severe temperature drops can compress the air in your tires, so always check your tire pressure when changing climates.
By tracking the distance traveled and fuel consumption, you can gain valuable insights into your motorhome’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
To calculate your RV’s average mileage, you can use an RV gas mileage calculator (because why do math when you don’t have to), or use this formula:
Total distance traveled (in miles) divided by total gallons of fuel used equals your MPG.
(Distance/Gallons=MPG)
How far you can go on one tank of gas depends on the size of your gas tank and what type of RV you have. A Class B with a 25 gallon tank can you about 400 miles. A class A with a 150 gallon tank can go about 1,900 miles. Big difference!!
Knowing the average RV gas mileage helps you budget for your trips.
Fuel Costs Associated With Driving An RV
Fuel costs do vary based on where you’re traveling and the season. So don’t forget to take that into your calculations.
The other associated cost is what type of fuel your RV needs. If you’re driving an RV with a diesel engine, then you can expect superior mileage and the best fuel economy. Diesel engines’ direct fuel injection and higher combustion efficiency translate into better fuel efficiency.
But that doesn’t always translate to savings for you at the pump because diesel fuel tends to be more expensive.
Many RVs come in either diesel or standard engine configurations, so be sure you understand the differences between the two.
What RV has the Best Gas Mileage?
On the whole, if you’re looking for a traditional RV the class B RV gets the best gas mileage at 18-28 mpg. But there’s another option for you early adopters out there.
A new category of RVs is making its way to market: the electric RV.
These RVs use electricity from solar panels to propel themselves behind your tow vehicle. That means they offer a net zero efficiency loss. In other words, your tow vehicle has the same MPG it would have if it weren’t towing a travel trailer.
Even better, your tesla truck can now tow an RV without range loss. So you don’t even have to worry about gas mileage. Pretty cool, huh?
Two of the pioneer electric RV models are the L1 from Lightship and the Pebble Flow
How to Improve Your RV’s Gas Mileage
Having grasped the factors that influence RV gas mileage, let’s move on to practical things you control to increase your motorhome’s fuel efficiency. Focus on regular maintenance, smart route planning, and weight management, to optimize your RV’s gas mileage.
Tip #1: Regular Maintenance
Consistent maintenance is vital to keep your motorhome in top condition and enhance fuel efficiency. Oil changes and air filter replacements maintain optimal engine performance.
Proper tire pressure and maintenance are crucial for improving your RV’s gas mileage. Under-inflated tires increase friction and drag on the road. This forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel mileage by 1-5 miles per gallon!
By staying on top of maintenance tasks, you can prevent potential issues from escalating while you’re on the road.
Tip #2: Smart Route Planning
The goal is to keep a steady speed the whole way. Or at least, while you’re on the interstate.
Thoughtful route planning helps improve your RV’s gas mileage. Here’s how:
- Avoid congested areas.
- Choose roads with less stop-and-go traffic.
- Plan your trip so that you hit high traffic areas during the off hours.
By planning your route wisely and taking advantage of technology that lets you check traffic in real time, you can make the most of your trip and your RV’s fuel efficiency.
Tip #3: Weight Management
Another key to achieving better gas mileage in weight management. Packing only essential items eases the strain on your engine, but also how you pack it matters.
Empty your tanks before you travel and keep your weight between the wheels of your RV. This plays a bigger role if you’re towing a travel trailer, but it still matters for longer Class C RVs.
Tip #4: Practice Good Driving Habits
Now be honest. You don’t always practice those safe driver tips when you’re commuting. But here they matter. Remember the goal is to stay at a consistent speed. No speeding around people. No weaving in and out of traffic.
Smooth, consistent driving reduces engine strain, ultimately lowering fuel consumption. Developing good driving habits not only saves you money on gas, but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable road trip experience.
Summary
You’ve officially bought a brand-new Class B RV. You’re riding high, driving it home for the first time. You pull into your driveway and open the garage door where you diligently cleared a spot for it…and then it hits you.
All that work was for nothing. This thing is too tall to fit in your garage.
Great, now you need to find a place to store it.
But you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on RV storage every month? What do you do? No worries, Neighbor has your back.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace that offers RV storage up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options. Neighbor has storage options in all 50 states. You’ll even find storage spaces in your very own neighborhood.
